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EP2530022B1 - System for geographical positioning of a radio-frequency signal transmitter located on the surface of the earth, and associated distributed interferometry method. - Google Patents

System for geographical positioning of a radio-frequency signal transmitter located on the surface of the earth, and associated distributed interferometry method. Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2530022B1
EP2530022B1 EP12169875.7A EP12169875A EP2530022B1 EP 2530022 B1 EP2530022 B1 EP 2530022B1 EP 12169875 A EP12169875 A EP 12169875A EP 2530022 B1 EP2530022 B1 EP 2530022B1
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European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
satellites
satellite
determining
sat1
transmitter
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EP12169875.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2530022A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Peyrotte
Francis Martinerie
Jean-Baptiste Thevenet
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Thales SA
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Thales SA
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/03—Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/22—Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/66—Arrangements or adaptations of apparatus or instruments, not otherwise provided for
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S5/02—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
    • G01S5/06—Position of source determined by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64G—COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64G1/00—Cosmonautic vehicles
    • B64G1/10—Artificial satellites; Systems of such satellites; Interplanetary vehicles
    • B64G1/1085—Swarms and constellations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems

Definitions

  • the present invention provides a system for geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter on the surface of the Earth, and an associated method of distributed interferometry.
  • GPS receivers for Global Positioning System
  • AIS program which stands for Automatic Identification System in English
  • ORBCOM system for Automatic Identification System
  • Such geographical location systems of radio transmitters located on the surface of the Earth are frequently dependent on an external system, the GPS system.
  • the GPS system In case of failure of the GPS system, or inaccuracies, or refusal to share the data by their owner, such a geographical location system, which depends on it, would then be inoperative or a greatly increased inaccuracy.
  • the document US 6,072,433 relates to a system for geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter on the surface of the Earth, using two cascaded interferometers to improve the final accuracy.
  • the document US 5,914,687 relates to a system for geographical location of at least one radio signal transmitter located on the surface of the Earth, using different measurements made by the same interferometry device.
  • Such systems are limited in location accuracy when the space segment of the system is limited to a single satellite because the antenna base formed generally does not exceed ten meters.
  • Such systems are limited in detection and tracking capability when the system is distributed over multiple satellites due to difficulty in synchronizing data and exchanging data between satellites.
  • the location is performed a posteriori, on the ground.
  • An object of the invention is to propose a system for geographical location of an electrical signal transmitter located on the surface of the Earth, which is independent of the GPS system, autonomous, of increased precision even in the presence of satellite maneuvers, flexible, and having an extensive interferometry, ie whose antenna base varies from a few meters to a few tens of kilometers.
  • Such a system makes it possible to access an autonomous detection substantially in real time according to the on-board computing capabilities of the satellites, and to an improved accuracy of location when the signal is harmonic and / or whose analysis can benefit from a extended antenna base, proposed in the present case by the main interferometry device.
  • the present invention is particularly useful in the field of observation in the radio frequency band or passive RF, for the identification of terrestrial transmitters, for example of the emergency beacon detection type.
  • a secondary interferometry device and an inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites between them, located on a given satellite, makes it possible to eliminate the ambiguity of cycles. of the carrier phase before extending the location accuracy via the enlarged antenna base of the main interferometry device.
  • a secondary interferometry device and an inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites between them, located on a given satellite, makes it possible to eliminate the ambiguity of cycles. of the carrier phase before extending the location accuracy via the enlarged antenna base of the main interferometry device.
  • the inter-satellite metrology device may comprise a Radio-Frequency of Training Flight or FFRF device (for "Training-Flying Radio Frequency” in English), possibly supplemented by an optical metrology device.
  • FFRF Radio-Frequency of Training Flight
  • the use of data from inter-satellite metrology makes it possible to dispense with a satellite positioning system such as the GPS system, and to obtain greater accuracy in the relative positioning of the satellites. It allows, in addition, a precise synchronization of the terrestrial signal measurements, which can be exchanged via the communication link (for example from the FFRF device), opening up the possibility of autonomous on-board processing of the data and thus to the localization of terrestrial transmitters in real time .
  • inter-satellite metrology also allows autonomous control of satellite formation and provides significant flexibility in terms of configuration (possible redundancy of the link with the ground, reconfiguration of the role and position of satellites ...) .
  • inter-satellite metrology also makes it possible to consider adapting the system to any type of orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO, IGSO).
  • This embodiment simplifies the implementation of the transmission of data to the ground, giving a privileged role to one of the satellites, which can then also be in charge of processing or pretreatment measures beforehand. In doing so, the architecture of other satellites can be simplified.
  • the secondary interferometry device can be used to determine the geographical location of the transmitter with a coarse precision or to initialize the precise geographical location of the transmitter by the main device. interferometry.
  • the antenna base concerned is the distance separating the dedicated antennas within the satellite concerned.
  • the main interferometry device can then be used for a geographical location of the increased precision transmitter and the antenna base concerned is the distance separating the satellites, known thanks to the inter-satellite metrology device.
  • This embodiment is possible thanks to the precise synchronization and the exchange of the measurements between satellites, making it possible to calculate an angular position from the knowledge of the antenna base, on synchronized measurements of difference in the signal.
  • said means for determining the absolute position of at least one of the satellites comprises at least one known ground-based transmitter.
  • said means for determining the absolute position of at least one of the satellites comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system, such as GPS, GALILEO, or DORIS.
  • At least one of said satellites comprises a micro-propulsion device.
  • said receiving antennas are adapted to receive RF electrical signals, acronym for radio frequencies.
  • said inter-satellite relative metrology device comprises a device for Formation Frequency Radio Frequencies, and possibly an optical metrology device.
  • a method of geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter located at the surface of the Earth in which relative positions and relative satellite synchronization are determined between them by inter-satellite metrology, and date said received signals from said determination of the relative positions of said satellites between them.
  • the figure 1 schematically represents a system for geographically locating at least one radio-frequency transmitter ES on the surface of the Earth, comprising a set of satellites, for example three satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 respectively provided with receiving antennas ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3 adapted to receive the signals emitted by the transmitter ES.
  • the geographic location system may comprise any number of satellites, greater than or equal to two.
  • the system comprises an extended main interferometry device comprising at least one antenna ANT1_1, ANT1_2, ANT1_3, of each satellite SAT1, SAT2, SAT3.
  • the system also comprises an inter-satellite relative metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 between them, comprising at least one dedicated sensor, in this case a dedicated sensor CAPTd_1, CAPTd_2, and CAPTd_3 of each satellite SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3, as well as inter-satellite communication modules COMM1, COMM2, and COMM3.
  • an inter-satellite relative metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 between them, comprising at least one dedicated sensor, in this case a dedicated sensor CAPTd_1, CAPTd_2, and CAPTd_3 of each satellite SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3, as well as inter-satellite communication modules COMM1, COMM2, and COMM3.
  • the system further comprises a device DAT1, DAT2, and DAT3 for receiving signals from the determination of the relative positions of the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 between them from said inter-satellite relative metrology device.
  • the dating device of the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 includes the three datation modules DAT1, DAT2, and DAT3 respectively mounted on satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3.
  • the dating of the measurements can be synchronized between the satellites by the inter-satellite relative metrology device.
  • the dating device DAT1, DAT2, and DAT3 uses pseudo-distance measurements of the different signals emitted by the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 of the formation.
  • the RPN correlation technique is used to identify time biases between transmitters and receivers.
  • the Precise dating then uses a technique of data transfer (measurements of pseudo-distances) and time, to synchronize with each other the clocks of satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3. This reference time then makes it possible to date, in the same frame of reference, the measurements of the radio transmitters on the ground, picked up by the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3.
  • the system also includes a secondary interferometry device comprising at least one set of at least three antennas ANT21_3, ANT22_3, ANT23_3 of a satellite, in this case the third satellite SAT3, an SBS ground base station, and a module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites, in this case the first satellite SAT1.
  • a preferred satellite, in this case the third satellite SAT3, provides the time reference, by the secondary interferometry device.
  • the module for determining the absolute position DPA of the first satellite SAT1 comprises, as illustrated in this example, at least one ground transmitter EC of known location.
  • the module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites can comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system.
  • This module for determining a geographical location DPA may, for example, implement pseudo-range and / or Doppler measurements made from the telecommunications link signals between the SBS ground station (s) and the base station. satellite.
  • At least one of the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 comprises a micro-propulsion device, in this case, in the embodiment of the figure 1 , each of the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 includes a micro-propulsion module MP1, MP2, and MP3.
  • the SBS ground base station comprises a module for determining a DLG geographical location.
  • the ground locating technique is carried out with the return to the ground of the different measurements, dated, made by the different satellites.
  • the module for determining a geographical location DLG can be embedded onboard a satellite.
  • dating modules DAT1, DAT2, DAT3 may, for example, be implemented by implementing the teaching of the patent European EP 1 813 957 B1 , and thus not depend on the use of GPS receivers.
  • the satellite DAT1, DAT2, DAT3 dating module takes advantage of the relative metrology device.
  • the latter can implement a two-way inter-satellite pseudo-distance measurement method ("Two-Way" in English), from which it extracts the inter-satellite time bias, allowing the relative dating of the measurements of the main interferometer accurately.
  • the metrology device can also estimate the directions of transmission of the signals emitted by the other satellites.
  • the location accuracy of such a system is improved over known systems employing GPS-type receivers, since the relative positioning accuracy of the satellites can be lowered to below one centimeter, and the time synchronization is less than three nanoseconds in real time, even in the presence of satellite maneuvering.
  • the main satellite SATP is adapted to collect all received signals, relative positions and dates transmitted by all SATP satellites, SATS1, SATS2, and transmit them to the SBS ground base station station.
  • the data processing may be performed on the SATP main satellite or in the SBS ground base station, including detection, tracking and a first level of geolocation.
  • a module for determining the geographical location DLG of the transmitter ES can be arranged in the main satellite SATP.
  • the DLG geographical location determination module of the ES transmitter can be arranged in the ground base station SBS.
  • the three main satellites SATP, and secondary satellites SATS1, and SATS2 are respectively provided with receiving antennas ANTP, ANTS1, and ANTS2 adapted to receive the signals emitted by the transmitter ES.
  • the geographic location system may comprise any number of satellites, greater than or equal to two.
  • the system comprises a main interferometry device comprising at least one antenna ANT1_P, ANT1_S1, ANT1_S2, of each satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2.
  • the system also comprises a relative inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of the SATP, SATS1, and SATS2 satellites among themselves, comprising at least one dedicated sensor CAPTd_P, CAPTd_S1, CAPTd_S2, of each satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2, as well as inter-satellite communication modules COMMP, COMMS1, COMMS2.
  • a relative inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of the SATP, SATS1, and SATS2 satellites among themselves, comprising at least one dedicated sensor CAPTd_P, CAPTd_S1, CAPTd_S2, of each satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2, as well as inter-satellite communication modules COMMP, COMMS1, COMMS2.
  • the system further comprises a DATP dating device, DATS1, DATS2 of the received signals, from the determination of the relative positions of the SATP, SATS1, SATS2 satellites between them delivered by said inter-satellite relative metrology device, in the occurrence the device FFRF.
  • the dating device of the exemplary embodiment of the figure 2 includes the three DATP, DATS1, and DATS2 datation modules respectively mounted on the SATP, SATS1, and SATS2 satellites. Thus, the dating of the measurements can be synchronized between the satellites.
  • the system also includes a secondary interferometry device comprising at least one set of at least three antennas ANT21_S1, ANT22_S1, ANT23_S1 of a satellite, in this case the secondary satellite SATS1, an SBS ground base station, and a module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites, in this case the secondary satellite SATS2.
  • a preferred satellite in this case the SATS2 secondary satellite, provides the time reference by the secondary interferometry device.
  • the module for determining the absolute position DPA of the first satellite SAT1 comprises, as illustrated in this example, at least one ground transmitter EC of known location.
  • the module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites can comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system.
  • the module for determining a geographical location DLG can be embedded onboard a satellite, in this case the main satellite SATP.
  • the ground base station SBS may comprise a module for determining a geographical location DLG.
  • the dating device of the exemplary embodiment of the figure 2 includes three DATP, DATS1, and DATS2 datation modules respectively mounted on the main SATP satellites, and SATS1, and SATS2 secondary satellites.
  • a single dating module could be disposed in the ground SBS base station, replacing the three DATP, DATS1, and DATS2 dating modules.
  • At least one of the main SATP, and secondary SATS1, and SATS2 satellites comprises a micro-propulsion device, in this case, in the embodiment of the present invention.
  • each of the main satellites SATP, and secondary SATS1, and SATS2 includes a micro-propulsion module MPP, MPS1, and MPS2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)

Description

La présente invention porte sur un système de localisation géographique d'au moins un émetteur de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre, et un procédé associé d'interférométrie distribuée.The present invention provides a system for geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter on the surface of the Earth, and an associated method of distributed interferometry.

Des systèmes de localisation géographique ou géo-localisation d'au moins un émetteur de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre utilisant un ensemble de satellites équipés de récepteurs GPS (acronyme de "Global Positioning system" en langue anglo-saxonne pour système de positionnement global par satellites) sont connus. Il est possible de citer pour exemples le programme AIS acronyme d'"Automatic Identification System" en langue anglaise et le système ORBCOM.Geographical location systems or geo-location of at least one radio signal transmitter located on the surface of the Earth using a set of satellites equipped with GPS receivers (acronym for "Global Positioning System" in the English-language system for global satellite positioning) are known. Examples of this are the AIS program, which stands for Automatic Identification System in English, and the ORBCOM system.

De tels systèmes de localisation géographique d'émetteurs de signaux radioélectriques situés à la surface de la Terre sont fréquemment dépendants d'un système externe, le système GPS. Ainsi, en cas de panne du système GPS, ou d'imprécisions, ou de refus de partager les données par leur propriétaire, un tel système de localisation géographique, qui en dépend, serait alors inopérant ou d'une imprécision fortement augmentée.Such geographical location systems of radio transmitters located on the surface of the Earth are frequently dependent on an external system, the GPS system. Thus, in case of failure of the GPS system, or inaccuracies, or refusal to share the data by their owner, such a geographical location system, which depends on it, would then be inoperative or a greatly increased inaccuracy.

Le document US 6 072 433 porte sur un système de localisation géographique d'au moins un émetteur de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre, utilisant deux interféromètre en cascade pour améliorer la précision finale.The document US 6,072,433 relates to a system for geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter on the surface of the Earth, using two cascaded interferometers to improve the final accuracy.

Le document US 5 914 687 porte sur un système de localisation géographique d'au moins un émetteur de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre, utilisant des mesures différentes effectuées par un même dispositif d'interférométrie.The document US 5,914,687 relates to a system for geographical location of at least one radio signal transmitter located on the surface of the Earth, using different measurements made by the same interferometry device.

De tels systèmes sont limités en précision de localisation lorsque le segment spatial du système se limite à un satellite unique car la base-antenne formée ne dépasse en général pas la dizaine de mètres.Such systems are limited in location accuracy when the space segment of the system is limited to a single satellite because the antenna base formed generally does not exceed ten meters.

De tels systèmes sont limités en capacité de détection et de poursuite lorsque le système est distribué sur plusieurs satellites en raison de la difficulté à synchroniser les données et à les échanger entre satellites. La localisation est effectuée à posteriori, au sol.Such systems are limited in detection and tracking capability when the system is distributed over multiple satellites due to difficulty in synchronizing data and exchanging data between satellites. The location is performed a posteriori, on the ground.

Un but de l'invention est de proposer un système de localisation géographique d'un émetteur de signaux électriques située à la surface de la Terre, qui soit indépendant du système GPS, autonome, de précision accrue y compris en présence de manoeuvres des satellites, flexible, et possédant une interférométrie étendue, i.e. dont la base-antenne varie de quelques mètres à quelques dizaines de kilomètres.An object of the invention is to propose a system for geographical location of an electrical signal transmitter located on the surface of the Earth, which is independent of the GPS system, autonomous, of increased precision even in the presence of satellite maneuvers, flexible, and having an extensive interferometry, ie whose antenna base varies from a few meters to a few tens of kilometers.

Il est proposé, selon un aspect de l'invention, un système de localisation géographique d'au moins un émetteur de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre, comprenant :

  • un ensemble de satellites munis d'antennes de réception adaptées pour recevoir lesdits signaux, formant un dispositif principal d'interférométrie étendue,
  • un dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites de détermination des positions relatives desdits satellites entre-eux, comprenant au moins un capteur dédié de chaque satellite, ainsi que des moyens de communication inter-satellites,
  • un dispositif de datation desdits signaux reçus à partir de ladite détermination des positions relatives desdits satellites entre-eux délivrées par ledit dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites,
  • un dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie comprenant au moins un ensemble d'au moins trois antennes d'un satellite,
  • une station de base au sol,
  • un dispositif de transmission des mesures acquises sur les satellites vers la station de base au sol et
  • des moyens de détermination de la position absolue d'au moins un des satellites,
l'ensemble de satellites comprenant un satellite principal et au moins un satellite secondaire, ledit satellite principal comprenant ledit dispositif de transmission comprenant une unique antenne, et étant adapté pour collecter l'ensemble desdits signaux reçus, desdites positions relatives et desdites datations transmises par ledit ensemble de satellites, et les transmettre à ladite station de station de base au sol, et des moyens de détermination d'une localisation géographique dudit émetteur disposés dans ledit satellite principal,
le dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie étant adapté pour fournir une localisation géographique approximative dudit émetteur adaptée pour servir d'initialisation pour une localisation géographique précise dudit émetteur par le dispositif principal d'interférométrie étendue.According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter located on the surface of the Earth, comprising:
  • a set of satellites provided with receiving antennas adapted to receive said signals, forming a main device for extended interferometry,
  • an inter-satellite relative metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites among them, comprising at least one dedicated sensor of each satellite, as well as inter-satellite communication means,
  • a device for dating said signals received from said determination of the relative positions of said satellites between them delivered by said inter-satellite relative metrology device,
  • a secondary interferometry device comprising at least one set of at least three antennas of a satellite,
  • a base station on the ground,
  • a device for transmitting the measurements acquired on the satellites to the base station on the ground and
  • means for determining the absolute position of at least one of the satellites,
the set of satellites comprising a main satellite and at least one secondary satellite, said main satellite comprising said transmission device comprising a single antenna, and being adapted to collect all of said received signals, said relative positions and said datings transmitted by said set of satellites, and transmit them to said ground base station station, and means of determining a geographical location of said transmitter arranged in said main satellite,
the secondary interferometry device being adapted to provide an approximate geographical location of said transmitter adapted to serve as initialization for a precise geographical location of said transmitter by the main device of extended interferometry.

Un tel système permet d'accéder à une détection autonome sensiblement en temps réel selon les capacités de calcul embarquées à bord des satellites, et à une précision améliorée de localisation lorsque le signal est harmonique et/ou dont l'analyse peut bénéficier d'une base-antenne étendue, proposée dans le cas présent par le dispositif principal d'interférométrie.Such a system makes it possible to access an autonomous detection substantially in real time according to the on-board computing capabilities of the satellites, and to an improved accuracy of location when the signal is harmonic and / or whose analysis can benefit from a extended antenna base, proposed in the present case by the main interferometry device.

La présente invention est particulièrement utile dans le domaine de l'observation dans la bande radio fréquences ou RF passive, pour le repérage d'émetteurs terrestres, par exemple de type détection de balise de secours.The present invention is particularly useful in the field of observation in the radio frequency band or passive RF, for the identification of terrestrial transmitters, for example of the emergency beacon detection type.

En outre, l'utilisation combinée d'un dispositif d'interférométrie secondaire et d'un dispositif de métrologie inter-satellites de détermination des positions relatives desdits satellites entre-eux, localisé sur un satellite donné, permet de lever l'ambigüité de cycles de phase porteuse avant d'étendre la précision de localisation via la base-antenne élargie du dispositif principal d'interférométrie.In addition, the combined use of a secondary interferometry device and an inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites between them, located on a given satellite, makes it possible to eliminate the ambiguity of cycles. of the carrier phase before extending the location accuracy via the enlarged antenna base of the main interferometry device.

En outre, l'utilisation combinée d'un dispositif d'interférométrie secondaire et d'un dispositif de métrologie inter-satellites de détermination des positions relatives desdits satellites entre-eux, localisé sur un satellite donné, permet de lever l'ambigüité de cycles de phase porteuse avant d'étendre la précision de localisation via la base-antenne élargie du dispositif principal d'interférométrie.In addition, the combined use of a secondary interferometry device and an inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites between them, located on a given satellite, makes it possible to eliminate the ambiguity of cycles. of the carrier phase before extending the location accuracy via the enlarged antenna base of the main interferometry device.

Le dispositif de métrologie inter-satellites peut comprendre un dispositif Radio-Fréquence de Vol en Formation ou FFRF (pour "Formation-Flying Radio Frequency" en langue anglaise), éventuellement complété par un dispositif de métrologie optique. L'utilisation de données issues de la métrologie inter-satellites permet de s'affranchir d'un système de positionnement par satellites tel le système GPS, et d'accéder à une précision accrue de positionnement relatif des satellites. Il permet, en outre, une synchronisation précise des mesures de signaux terrestres, qui peuvent être échangés via le lien de communication (par exemple du dispositif FFRF), ouvrant la possibilité d'un traitement à bord autonome des données et ainsi à la localisation d'émetteurs terrestres en temps réel.The inter-satellite metrology device may comprise a Radio-Frequency of Training Flight or FFRF device (for "Training-Flying Radio Frequency" in English), possibly supplemented by an optical metrology device. The use of data from inter-satellite metrology makes it possible to dispense with a satellite positioning system such as the GPS system, and to obtain greater accuracy in the relative positioning of the satellites. It allows, in addition, a precise synchronization of the terrestrial signal measurements, which can be exchanged via the communication link (for example from the FFRF device), opening up the possibility of autonomous on-board processing of the data and thus to the localization of terrestrial transmitters in real time .

L'utilisation de la métrologie inter-satellites permet également un contrôle autonome de la formation de satellites et apporte une flexibilité importante en terme de configuration (redondance possible du lien avec le sol, reconfiguration du rôle et de la position des satellites ...).The use of inter-satellite metrology also allows autonomous control of satellite formation and provides significant flexibility in terms of configuration (possible redundancy of the link with the ground, reconfiguration of the role and position of satellites ...) .

L'utilisation de la métrologie inter-satellites permet également d'envisager l'adaptation du système à tout type d'orbite (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO, IGSO).The use of inter-satellite metrology also makes it possible to consider adapting the system to any type of orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO, IGSO).

Ce mode de réalisation simplifie la réalisation de la transmission des données vers le sol, en donnant un rôle privilégié à l'un des satellites, qui pourra alors également être en charge du traitement ou prétraitement des mesures au préalable. Ce faisant, l'architecture des autres satellites pourra être simplifiée.This embodiment simplifies the implementation of the transmission of data to the ground, giving a privileged role to one of the satellites, which can then also be in charge of processing or pretreatment measures beforehand. In doing so, the architecture of other satellites can be simplified.

En effet, lorsque les mesures sont traitées à bord des satellites, le dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie peut être utilisé pour déterminer la localisation géographie de l'émetteur avec une précision grossière ou pour initialiser la localisation géographique précise de l'émetteur par le dispositif principal d'interférométrie. La base-antenne concernée est la distance séparant les antennes dédiées au sein du satellite concerné.In fact, when the measurements are processed on board the satellites, the secondary interferometry device can be used to determine the geographical location of the transmitter with a coarse precision or to initialize the precise geographical location of the transmitter by the main device. interferometry. The antenna base concerned is the distance separating the dedicated antennas within the satellite concerned.

Le dispositif principal d'interférométrie peut alors être utilisé pour une localisation géographique de l'émetteur de précision accrue et la base-antenne concernée est la distance séparant les satellites, connues grâce au dispositif de métrologie inter-satellites. Ce mode de réalisation est permis grâce à la synchronisation précise et l'échange des mesures entre satellites, permettant de calculer une position angulaire à partir de la connaissance de la base antenne, sur des mesures synchronisée de différence de marche du signal.The main interferometry device can then be used for a geographical location of the increased precision transmitter and the antenna base concerned is the distance separating the satellites, known thanks to the inter-satellite metrology device. This embodiment is possible thanks to the precise synchronization and the exchange of the measurements between satellites, making it possible to calculate an angular position from the knowledge of the antenna base, on synchronized measurements of difference in the signal.

Dans un mode de réalisation, lesdits moyens de détermination de la position absolue d'au moins un des satellites comprennent au moins un émetteur au sol de localisation connue.In one embodiment, said means for determining the absolute position of at least one of the satellites comprises at least one known ground-based transmitter.

En variante, lesdits moyens de détermination de la position absolue d'au moins un des satellites comprennent un récepteur d'un système de positionnement par satellites, tel GPS, GALILEO, ou DORIS.In a variant, said means for determining the absolute position of at least one of the satellites comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system, such as GPS, GALILEO, or DORIS.

Dans un mode de réalisation, au moins un desdits satellites comprend un dispositif de micro propulsion.In one embodiment, at least one of said satellites comprises a micro-propulsion device.

Ainsi, il est possible de modifier sur commande, avec précision, les distances relatives des antennes des satellites en cours de mesure, et de s'affranchir de biais de mesure.Thus, it is possible to modify on command, with precision, the relative distances of the antennas of the satellites being measured, and to overcome measurement bias.

Par exemple, lesdites antennes de réception sont adaptées pour recevoir des signaux électriques RF, acronyme de radiofréquences.For example, said receiving antennas are adapted to receive RF electrical signals, acronym for radio frequencies.

Ainsi, il est potentiellement possible de localiser tout type d'émetteur de signaux radiofréquence terrestre compatibles de la précision de détermination de la base antenne de mesure.Thus, it is potentially possible to locate any type of terrestrial radio frequency signal transmitter compatible with the accuracy of determination of the measurement antenna base.

Dans un mode de réalisation, ledit dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites comprend un dispositif de Radio Fréquences de Vol en Formation, et éventuellement un dispositif de métrologie optique.In one embodiment, said inter-satellite relative metrology device comprises a device for Formation Frequency Radio Frequencies, and possibly an optical metrology device.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, il est également proposé un procédé de localisation géographique d'au moins un émetteur de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre, dans lequel on détermine des positions relatives et une synchronisation relative de satellites entre-eux par métrologie inter-satellites, et on date lesdits signaux reçus à partir de ladite détermination des positions relatives desdits satellites entre-eux.According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of geographically locating at least one radio signal transmitter located at the surface of the Earth, in which relative positions and relative satellite synchronization are determined between them by inter-satellite metrology, and date said received signals from said determination of the relative positions of said satellites between them.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'étude de quelques modes de réalisation décrits à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs et illustrés par les dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 illustre schématiquement un système de localisation géographique d'un émetteur de signaux électriques selon un aspect de l'invention ; et
  • la figure 2 illustre schématiquement un système de localisation géographique d'un émetteur de signaux électriques selon un autre aspect de l'invention.
The invention will be better understood by studying a few embodiments described by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 schematically illustrates a geographical location system of an electric signal transmitter according to one aspect of the invention; and
  • the figure 2 schematically illustrates a geographical location system of an electric signal transmitter according to another aspect of the invention.

Sur l'ensemble des figures, les éléments ayant les mêmes références sont similaires.In all the figures, the elements having the same references are similar.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement un système de localisation géographique d'au moins un émetteur ES de signaux radioélectriques situé à la surface de la Terre, comprenant un ensemble de satellites, par exemple trois satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3 munis respectivement d'antennes de réception ANT1, ANT2, et ANT3 adaptées pour recevoir les signaux émis par l'émetteur ES. En variante, le système de localisation géographique peut comprendre un nombre quelconque de satellites, supérieur ou égal à deux.The figure 1 schematically represents a system for geographically locating at least one radio-frequency transmitter ES on the surface of the Earth, comprising a set of satellites, for example three satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 respectively provided with receiving antennas ANT1, ANT2, and ANT3 adapted to receive the signals emitted by the transmitter ES. In a variant, the geographic location system may comprise any number of satellites, greater than or equal to two.

Le système comprend un dispositif principal d'interférométrie étendue comprenant au moins une antenne ANT1_1, ANT1_2, ANT1_3, de chaque satellite SAT1, SAT2, SAT3.The system comprises an extended main interferometry device comprising at least one antenna ANT1_1, ANT1_2, ANT1_3, of each satellite SAT1, SAT2, SAT3.

Le système comprend également un dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites de détermination des positions relatives desdits satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3 entre-eux, comprenant au moins un capteur dédié, en l'espèce un capteur dédié CAPTd_1, CAPTd_2, et CAPTd_3 de chaque satellite SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3, ainsi que des modules de communication inter-satellites COMM1, COMM2, et COMM3.The system also comprises an inter-satellite relative metrology device for determining the relative positions of said satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 between them, comprising at least one dedicated sensor, in this case a dedicated sensor CAPTd_1, CAPTd_2, and CAPTd_3 of each satellite SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3, as well as inter-satellite communication modules COMM1, COMM2, and COMM3.

Le système comprend, en outre, un dispositif de datation DAT1, DAT2, et DAT3 des signaux reçus, à partir de la détermination des positions relatives des satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3 entre-eux délivrées par ledit dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites. Le dispositif de datation de l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1 comprend les trois modules de datations DAT1, DAT2, et DAT3 respectivement montés sur les satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3. Ainsi, la datation des mesures peut être synchronisée entre les satellites par le dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites.The system further comprises a device DAT1, DAT2, and DAT3 for receiving signals from the determination of the relative positions of the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 between them from said inter-satellite relative metrology device. . The dating device of the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 includes the three datation modules DAT1, DAT2, and DAT3 respectively mounted on satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3. Thus, the dating of the measurements can be synchronized between the satellites by the inter-satellite relative metrology device.

Le dispositif de datation DAT1, DAT2, et DAT3 utilise des mesures de pseudo-distances des différents signaux émis par les satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3 de la formation. La technique de corrélation de code RPN est utilisée pour identifier les biais de temps entre émetteurs et récepteurs. La datation précise utilise ensuite une technique de transfert de données (mesures des pseudo-distances) et de temps, pour synchroniser entre eux les horloges des satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3. Ce temps de référence permet alors de dater, dans le même référentiel, les mesures des émetteurs radioélectriques au sol, captés par les satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3.The dating device DAT1, DAT2, and DAT3 uses pseudo-distance measurements of the different signals emitted by the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 of the formation. The RPN correlation technique is used to identify time biases between transmitters and receivers. The Precise dating then uses a technique of data transfer (measurements of pseudo-distances) and time, to synchronize with each other the clocks of satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3. This reference time then makes it possible to date, in the same frame of reference, the measurements of the radio transmitters on the ground, picked up by the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3.

Le système comprend également un dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie comprenant au moins un ensemble d'au moins trois antennes ANT21_3, ANT22_3, ANT23_3 d'un satellite, en l'espèce le troisième satellite SAT3, une station de base au sol SBS, et un module de détermination de la position absolue DPA d'au moins un des satellites, en l'espèce le premier satellite SAT1. Un satellite privilégié, en l'espèce le troisième satellite SAT3, fournit la référence de temps, par le dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie.The system also includes a secondary interferometry device comprising at least one set of at least three antennas ANT21_3, ANT22_3, ANT23_3 of a satellite, in this case the third satellite SAT3, an SBS ground base station, and a module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites, in this case the first satellite SAT1. A preferred satellite, in this case the third satellite SAT3, provides the time reference, by the secondary interferometry device.

Le module de détermination de la position absolue DPA du premier satellite SAT1 comprend, comme illustré sur cet exemple au moins un émetteur au sol EC de localisation connue.The module for determining the absolute position DPA of the first satellite SAT1 comprises, as illustrated in this example, at least one ground transmitter EC of known location.

En variante, le module de détermination de la position absolue DPA d'au moins un des satellites peut comprendre un récepteur d'un système de positionnement par satellites.As a variant, the module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites can comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system.

Ce module de détermination d'une localisation géographique DPA, peut, par exemple, mettre en oeuvre des mesures de pseudo-distances et/ou Doppler effectuées à partir des signaux de liaisons de télécommunications entre la ou les stations de base au sol SBS et le satellite.This module for determining a geographical location DPA may, for example, implement pseudo-range and / or Doppler measurements made from the telecommunications link signals between the SBS ground station (s) and the base station. satellite.

Au moins un des satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3 comprend un dispositif de micro propulsion, en l'espèce, dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 1, chacun des satellites SAT1, SAT2, et SAT3 comprend un module de micro propulsion MP1, MP2, et MP3.At least one of the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 comprises a micro-propulsion device, in this case, in the embodiment of the figure 1 , each of the satellites SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 includes a micro-propulsion module MP1, MP2, and MP3.

La station de base au sol SBS comprend un module de détermination d'une localisation géographique DLG. La technique de localisation au sol s'effectue avec le retour au sol des différentes mesures, datées, effectuées par les différents satellites.The SBS ground base station comprises a module for determining a DLG geographical location. The ground locating technique is carried out with the return to the ground of the different measurements, dated, made by the different satellites.

En variante, le module de détermination d'une localisation géographique DLG peut être embarqué à bord d'un satellite.In a variant, the module for determining a geographical location DLG can be embedded onboard a satellite.

En outre, les modules de datation DAT1, DAT2, DAT3, peuvent, par exemple, être réalisés en mettant en oeuvre l'enseignement du brevet européen EP 1 813 957 B1 , et ainsi ne pas dépendre de l'utilisation de récepteurs GPS.In addition, the dating modules DAT1, DAT2, DAT3, may, for example, be implemented by implementing the teaching of the patent European EP 1 813 957 B1 , and thus not depend on the use of GPS receivers.

Ainsi, le module de datation DAT1, DAT2, DAT3 d'un satellite tire profit du dispositif de métrologie relative. Celui-ci peut mettre en oeuvre un procédé de mesures de pseudo-distance inter-satellites bi-directionnelles ("Two-Way" en langue anglaise), dont il extrait le biais de temps inter-satellites, permettant la datation relative des mesures de l'interféromètre principal avec précision. Le dispositif de métrologie peut également estimer les directions de transmission des signaux émis par les autres satellites.Thus, the satellite DAT1, DAT2, DAT3 dating module takes advantage of the relative metrology device. The latter can implement a two-way inter-satellite pseudo-distance measurement method ("Two-Way" in English), from which it extracts the inter-satellite time bias, allowing the relative dating of the measurements of the main interferometer accurately. The metrology device can also estimate the directions of transmission of the signals emitted by the other satellites.

La précision de localisation d'un tel système est améliorée par rapport aux systèmes connus mettant en oeuvre des récepteurs de type GPS, car la précision de positionnement relatif des satellites peut être abaissée en-dessous du centimètre, et la synchronisation en temps est inférieure à trois nanosecondes en temps réel, même en présence de manoeuvre des satellites.The location accuracy of such a system is improved over known systems employing GPS-type receivers, since the relative positioning accuracy of the satellites can be lowered to below one centimeter, and the time synchronization is less than three nanoseconds in real time, even in the presence of satellite maneuvering.

Sur la figure 2, est illustré schématiquement un autre mode de réalisation d'un système de localisation géographique, dans lequel l'ensemble de satellites SATP, SATS1, et SATS2, toujours au nombre de trois, de manière non limitative, comprend un satellite principal SATP et au moins un satellite secondaire, en l'espèce deux satellites secondaires, SATS1 et SATS2. Le satellite principal SATP est adapté pour collecter l'ensemble des signaux reçus, des positions relatives et des datations transmises par l'ensemble des satellites SATP, SATS1, SATS2, et les transmettre à la station de station de base au sol SBS. Les traitements de données peuvent être effectuées à bord du satellite principal SATP ou dans la station de base au sol SBS, notamment la détection, la poursuite et un premier niveau de géolocalisation. Aussi, un module de détermination de la localisation géographique DLG de l'émetteur ES peut être disposé dans le satellite principal SATP.On the figure 2 is schematically illustrated another embodiment of a geographical location system, wherein the set of satellites SATP, SATS1, and SATS2, still three in number, in a non-limiting manner, comprises a main satellite SATP and at least a secondary satellite, in this case two secondary satellites, SATS1 and SATS2. The main satellite SATP is adapted to collect all received signals, relative positions and dates transmitted by all SATP satellites, SATS1, SATS2, and transmit them to the SBS ground base station station. The data processing may be performed on the SATP main satellite or in the SBS ground base station, including detection, tracking and a first level of geolocation. Also, a module for determining the geographical location DLG of the transmitter ES can be arranged in the main satellite SATP.

En variante, le module de détermination de la localisation géographique DLG de l'émetteur ES peut être disposé dans la station de base au sol SBS.As a variant, the DLG geographical location determination module of the ES transmitter can be arranged in the ground base station SBS.

Les trois satellites principal SATP, et secondaires SATS1, et SATS2 sont munis respectivement d'antennes de réception ANTP, ANTS1, et ANTS2 adaptées pour recevoir les signaux émis par l'émetteur ES. En variante, le système de localisation géographique peut comprendre un nombre quelconque de satellites, supérieur ou égal à deux.The three main satellites SATP, and secondary satellites SATS1, and SATS2 are respectively provided with receiving antennas ANTP, ANTS1, and ANTS2 adapted to receive the signals emitted by the transmitter ES. In Alternatively, the geographic location system may comprise any number of satellites, greater than or equal to two.

Le système comprend un dispositif principal d'interférométrie comprenant au moins une antenne ANT1_P, ANT1_S1, ANT1_S2, de chaque satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2.The system comprises a main interferometry device comprising at least one antenna ANT1_P, ANT1_S1, ANT1_S2, of each satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2.

Le système comprend également un dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites de détermination des positions relatives des satellites SATP, SATS1, et SATS2 entre-eux, comprenant au moins un capteur dédié CAPTd_P, CAPTd_S1, CAPTd_S2, de chaque satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2, ainsi que des modules de communication inter-satellites COMMP, COMMS1, COMMS2.The system also comprises a relative inter-satellite metrology device for determining the relative positions of the SATP, SATS1, and SATS2 satellites among themselves, comprising at least one dedicated sensor CAPTd_P, CAPTd_S1, CAPTd_S2, of each satellite SATP, SATS1, SATS2, as well as inter-satellite communication modules COMMP, COMMS1, COMMS2.

Le système comprend, en outre, un dispositif de datation DATP, DATS1, DATS2 des signaux reçus, à partir de la détermination des positions relatives des satellites SATP, SATS1, SATS2 entre-eux délivrées par ledit dispositif de métrologie relative inter-satellites, en l'occurrence le dispositif FFRF. Le dispositif de datation de l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 2 comprend les trois modules de datations DATP, DATS1, et DATS2 respectivement montés sur les satellites SATP, SATS1, et SATS2. Ainsi, la datation des mesures peut être synchronisée entre les satellites.The system further comprises a DATP dating device, DATS1, DATS2 of the received signals, from the determination of the relative positions of the SATP, SATS1, SATS2 satellites between them delivered by said inter-satellite relative metrology device, in the occurrence the device FFRF. The dating device of the exemplary embodiment of the figure 2 includes the three DATP, DATS1, and DATS2 datation modules respectively mounted on the SATP, SATS1, and SATS2 satellites. Thus, the dating of the measurements can be synchronized between the satellites.

Le système comprend également un dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie comprenant au moins un ensemble d'au moins trois antennes ANT21_S1, ANT22_S1, ANT23_S1 d'un satellite, en l'espèce le satellite secondaire SATS1, une station de base au sol SBS, et un module de détermination de la position absolue DPA d'au moins un des satellites, en l'espèce le satellite secondaire SATS2. Un satellite privilégié, en l'espèce le satellite secondaire SATS2, fournit la référence de temps, par le dispositif secondaire d'interférométrie.The system also includes a secondary interferometry device comprising at least one set of at least three antennas ANT21_S1, ANT22_S1, ANT23_S1 of a satellite, in this case the secondary satellite SATS1, an SBS ground base station, and a module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites, in this case the secondary satellite SATS2. A preferred satellite, in this case the SATS2 secondary satellite, provides the time reference by the secondary interferometry device.

Le module de détermination de la position absolue DPA du premier satellite SAT1 comprend, comme illustré sur cet exemple au moins un émetteur au sol EC de localisation connue.The module for determining the absolute position DPA of the first satellite SAT1 comprises, as illustrated in this example, at least one ground transmitter EC of known location.

En variante, le module de détermination de la position absolue DPA d'au moins un des satellites peut comprendre un récepteur d'un système de positionnement par satellites.As a variant, the module for determining the absolute position DPA of at least one of the satellites can comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system.

Le module de détermination d'une localisation géographique DLG peut être embarqué à bord d'un satellite, en l'espèce le satellite principal SATP.The module for determining a geographical location DLG can be embedded onboard a satellite, in this case the main satellite SATP.

En variante, la station de base au sol SBS peut comprendre un module de détermination d'une localisation géographique DLG.As a variant, the ground base station SBS may comprise a module for determining a geographical location DLG.

Le dispositif de datation de l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 2 comprend trois modules de datations DATP, DATS1, et DATS2 respectivement montés sur les satellites principal SATP, et secondaires SATS1, et SATS2.The dating device of the exemplary embodiment of the figure 2 includes three DATP, DATS1, and DATS2 datation modules respectively mounted on the main SATP satellites, and SATS1, and SATS2 secondary satellites.

En variante, un unique module de datation pourrait être disposé dans la station de base SBS au sol, en remplacement des trois modules de datations DATP, DATS1, et DATS2.Alternatively, a single dating module could be disposed in the ground SBS base station, replacing the three DATP, DATS1, and DATS2 dating modules.

Au moins un des satellites principal SATP, et secondaires SATS1, et SATS2 comprend un dispositif de micro propulsion, en l'espèce, dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 2, chacun des satellites principal SATP, et secondaires SATS1, et SATS2 comprend un module de micro propulsion MPP, MPS1, et MPS2.At least one of the main SATP, and secondary SATS1, and SATS2 satellites comprises a micro-propulsion device, in this case, in the embodiment of the present invention. figure 2 , each of the main satellites SATP, and secondary SATS1, and SATS2 includes a micro-propulsion module MPP, MPS1, and MPS2.

Claims (7)

  1. A system for determining a geographical location of at least one radio signal transmitter (ES) located on the Earth's surface, the system comprising:
    - a set of satellites (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3) provided with receiving antennas (ANTI, ANT2, ANT3) configured to receive said signals, forming a main extended interferometry device;
    - an intersatellite relative metrology device configured to determine relative positions of said satellites (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3) to one another, comprising at least one dedicated sensor (CAPTd_1, CAPTd_2, CAPTd_3) of each satellite (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3) and intersatellite communicators (COMM1, COMM2, COMM3),
    - a dating device (DAT1, DAT2, DAT3) for said received signals from said determination of the relative positions of said satellites (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3) to one another, provided by said intersatellite relative metrology device, based on measurements of pseudodistances by PRN code correlation and by clock synchronization of said satellites through time transfer between satellites,
    - a secondary interferometry device comprising at least one set of at least three antennas (ANT21_3, ANT22_3, ANT23_3) of a satellite
    - a ground base station (SBS),
    - a transmission device of measurements acquired at the satellites to the ground base station (SBS); and
    - means for determining an absolute position (DPA) of at least one of the satellites (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3),
    the set of satellites comprising a main satellite (SATP) and at least one secondary satellite (SATS1, SATS2), said main satellite (SATP) comprising said transmission device comprising a single antenna (ANT1_P), and being configured to collect the set of said received signals, said relative positions and said datings (DATP, DATS1, DATS2) transmitted by said set of satellites, and to transmit these to said ground base station (SBS), and means for determining an geographical location (DLG) of said transmitter (ES) which are provided within said main satellite (SATP),
    said secondary interferometry device being configured to provide an approximate geographical location of said transmitter (ES) configured for the initialization of a precise geographical location of said transmitter (ES) by the main extended interferometry device.
  2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said means for determining the absolute position (DPA) of at least one of the satellites comprise at least one ground transmitter (EC) located at a known location.
  3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said means for determining the absolute position (DPA) of at least one of the satellites comprise a receiver of a satellite positioning system.
  4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said satellites comprises a micropropulsion device (MPi).
  5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiving antennas (ANTI, ANT2, ANT3) are adapted to receive RF signals.
  6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said intersatellite relative metrology device comprises a Formation Flying Radio Frequency device.
  7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said intersatellite relative metrology device further comprises an optical metrology device.
EP12169875.7A 2011-06-01 2012-05-29 System for geographical positioning of a radio-frequency signal transmitter located on the surface of the earth, and associated distributed interferometry method. Active EP2530022B1 (en)

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US8952847B2 (en) 2015-02-10
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